SELENE WOODS

CHAPTER 15

OFFICE; NEXT DAY...

"Did you get the email i sent you?". Rachel asked, combing through her long strands of hair with her fingers.

I nodded, a soft ‘hmm’ escaping my lips as i flipped a page.

Rachel leaned in, her elbows resting on my desk. Her warm breath sprayed on my face, carrying a faint scent of rose body wash. I reclined, creating a small space between us both.

Dropping the file i was holding, i clasped my hands. Resting my chin as i stared at her."What's it, Rachel?".

"Did you run into him?". She blurted out, brows raised. Unable to contain her piqued curiosity any longer.

I lowered my eyes, lashes fluttering as i gave a quiet 'hmm' in response.

"How was it?. Did you give him a piece of your mind...or did he try to hurt you again?". Rachel probed, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

I said nothing - He did slam me against a pillar. And it still hurt like hell.

Rachel pursed her lips tightly, her sharp eyes scrutinizing my features more closely. "Why aren't you -"

"What other things did you dig up about that director guy?. Did you perhaps get a glimpse of his schedule...?". I cut her off mid speech.

" Where he goes, what he likes to do...?. His hobbies and favorite pastimes... anything?"

She paused, giving me a suspicious stare. I shrugged, ignoring her as she walked over to the coffee table. She picked up a piece of toffee, unwrapping it with a grumpy expression. "It's fine if you don't want to tell me about it. Not like it's a big deal anyways..."

"Rachel....the itinerary."

"Okay, okay!!". She tossed the candy into her mouth, loudly crunching on it. " He likes miniature golf, but he's also often patronizing nightclubs every now and then". She waved her hands dismissively.

" Which nightclub does he frequents the most?".

Rachel rolled her eyes, " The red district."

The red district?

" It's a very popular nightclub/bar that's currently all the rave amongst celebrities these days. Heard he goes there every Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He's more like a regular customer" . She added, clarifying my thoughts.

I took a note, scribbling a few details. Then i raised my head, "Around what time does he arrive?"

Rachel gasped, her eyes widening in shock. "Don't tell me.... Selene,are you trying to go meet him at a nightclub?!".

I exhaled, rubbing my eyes which were now exhausted. "It's necessary."

"B..b...but, you've never been at such places before. It could be dangerous!!". Rachel propped up,her voice filled with unrestrained urging.

"Meeting him in person is the only way to negotiate. Afterall, certain terms of our deal can only be discussed in person". I stated in a clear tone.

" Alright...it's Private room no. 26, 9 pm sharp". She spoke, her tone a mask of defeat.

" Thanks". I flashed a smile, gripping my clutches as i stood up from my swivel chair.

"You aren't wearing your prosthetic today?" . Rachel probed, her voice tender with worry.

"Nope". I shrugged, eyes settling on her as she bounced off the couch. "It keeps rubbing against my skin, which makes it quite uncomfortable to walk in."

" You could have just told me. I'll have another model sent to your home later". Rachel smiled, her hands guiding me as she escorted me towards the door.

I hmm'ed softly, my gaze thoughtful for a sec. I snapped my fingers, almost as if suddenly remembering something very important.

"While i'll be gone, you'll be in charge of the company affairs". I spoke, my tone composed like as if i were reading out a novel and not a practical edict that had just ruined her rest day.

" What??!!" Rachel gasped.

I stared at her hysterics with unfazed eyes. "Also if there are any important documents, be sure to have them mailed to me. Prompto!!"

"Selene, you're trying to work me to death and it's not like you're paying me that much to begin with".

" I'll give you a thirty percent raise, how does that deal sound...?"

" A thirty percent raise...?, how about you give me a fifty percent raise instead"

I stared lazily at the ecstatic Rachel trying to strike a greedy bargain. Watching her grin from ear to ear, i smirked coldly. " How kind of you, a twenty percent raise it is."

" Really, Selene?!"

" What....aren't you happy with the raise?. Okay then, i guess i can just take back my money. Since you're fine with being underpaid."

I turned, trying to leave when i heard Rachel yell out in a panic.

" I'll take it!!". She paused, " I was only spouting a few jokes,why do you always have to take things so personal??". She hurried up, stroking my arms with a coy smile.

I flashed a brief, victorious smile,listening to her trying to sweet talk her way out of this one.Money certainly made the world go round.

"I'll check in once every few times". I paused.

"Sure thing. It's your company, so stop by anytime". Rachel waved,a flattering smile etched on her face.

"No slacking!!"

"I won't!!"

********************

I stood in my dimly lit room, staring at the array of pictures on the wall. A red line connected them to the next, forming a sort of suspect board.

I slurped my bowl of noddles, the cold kissing my fingertips as i quietly traced Jason's and Irina's photos.

A small scoff escaped my lips.

They looked like the perfect couple, their calm gazes and elegantly,refined demeanor. The power couple that had my world crumbling like they weren't made of bricks in the first place.

I sat on my bed, slurping down the rest of my meal.

If i could turn them against each other, let them fight themselves to the death. They tried so hard to erase every piece of evidence, forgetting that they're evidence themselves.

How ironic...

I could just cause a rift between them, and they'll be tearing each other apart. My phone lit up, the timer i had set was up.

"A quarter past 8". I muttered softly, rising to my feet as i walked towards my wardrobe.

The rows of black outfits caught my eyes instantly and i picked out a long, black sequin gown i had been saving.

"Now, let's make our second move."